We’re about to enter cricket’s silly season and the BLACKCAPS are fully loaded with power players for the upcoming ANZ Twenty20 series against Bangladesh.
From 150 kmph thunderbolt bowler Lockie Ferguson to big hitters Colin Munro, Corey Anderson and Colin de Grandhomme - the hosts have a side built to thrill.
There’s also another man in the squad who can clear in the ropes in 25-year-old hard hitting Central Stags batsman Tom Bruce.
The Te Kuiti born right hander’s been selected off the back of a superb McDonald’s Super Smash season where he’s averaged 47.16 at a thumping strike rate of 172.
“It’s been pretty surreal these last 10 days in camp,” Bruce said on the eve of the opening T20 against Bangladesh at Napier’s McLean Park.
“I’m just trying to soak up all the experiences. Everyone’s been really welcoming to me so it’s been awesome. There’s a lot of excitement, a few nerves as well, but really looking forward to hopefully getting out there and putting on the silver fern.”
Tom Bruce goes big for the Central Stags. Credit: Photosport
Bruce could slot into a formidable BLACKCAPS middle order and having struck 17 sixes already this domestic T20 season - he wouldn’t look out of place.
“It’s about playing my natural game - I’m a ball striker and I don’t want to go away from that. I want to be confident in my own ability and make good decisions and that’s sort of come to a head this season, it’s been pretty successful so I’m just going to look to do that and keep watching the ball and keep hitting the ball.”
One man who also buys into that theory is hard hitting Knights all-rounder Corey Anderson.
Corey Anderson hits out. Credit: Photosport
The burly left hander’s been picked as a specialist batsmen and is entering this series with plenty of confidence.
“It was nice to have a decent campaign with the Knights,” he said.
“I got a lot of starts and to finish off with a 70 odd in that game against Wellington was a nice way to now come into the BLACKCAPS squad.”
Anderson felt despite Bangladesh’s winless start to their tour, the Tigers would prove most dangerous in the shortest format.
“I think Twenty20 evens the playing field a little. It’s slightly more hit and miss and it’s all about winning the key moments.
“They’ve got some great match winners in their team and they’ll be better for the games they’ve had on this tour so far. We’ll make sure we have our plans and stick to them.”
After Napier the series shifts to Bay Oval at Mount Maunganui for games two and three on the 6th and 8th of December.
